| Ground | Trail |
| Type of support | Universal (neutral) |
| Inclination of the sole | 8mm |
| Sole thickness (heel) | 30mm |
| Sole thickness (forefoot) | 22mm |
| Weight (men’s model) | 301g |
| Weight (female model) | 273g |
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable cushioning | Little protection against stones |
| Upper that offers targeted support | Poor adhesion |
| nice design | Lack of stability |
| Affordable price for the quality | |
About
The Nike Wildhorse 7 is intended as the brand’s most cushioned and protective trail shoe with a thick sole (30 mm under the heel), a plate against stones and a protective upper with integrated gaiter. After a major overhaul last year (with the introduction of React foam, in particular), this seventh version delays and brings few changes.
Let’s be blunt: the Wildhorse 7, like its predecessor, disappointed testers overall. The cushioning is soft and comfortable but this contributes to some instability. In addition, despite the segmented rigid protection plate, trail runners complain of feeling the stones during the race. This configuration can be pleasant, provided you stay on the slightly steep paths.
The upper remains the strong point of the shoe with its comfortable and precise support. Nevertheless, although wide enough, the toe box would be too low, which caused irritation or even pain in some trailers. Finally, the grip is adequate on dry ground but insufficient on wet surfaces such as mud. In addition, the testers complained about a lack of flexibility in the outsole (composed of a block of rubber), which would contribute to making the shoe unstable.
In summary, despite a successful design and an ambitious configuration, the Wildhorse 7 struggles to convince. It can be a comfortable option for easy trails but beyond that we advise you to opt for another model. That’s good: his colleague the Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7 is much more successful!
Technologies
outsole
- Solid rubber provides impressive grip on the steepest trail trails.
- Multi-directional lugs improve grip to master the most demanding technical conditions. They are rubber with an aggressive design.
- The rigid segmented protection plate protects the foot from stones and sharp walls. This also improves the resistance of the shoe.
Midsole
- The midsole uses React : a specially plush foam developed by Nike that promises a smooth ride when running.
Upper part (upper)
- The technical mesh provides effective foot support and lets it breathe during exercise when you pick up the pace.
- The gaiter collar ensures a pleasant hold of the foot in the shoe and prevents dust and small stones from entering.
- Dynamic Fit is a midfoot support system that improves support by eliminating the gap between the upper and the foot.
- Finally, the reinforcements on the tip increase the robustness of the upper to lengthen the life of the shoe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does the Nike Wildhorse 7 fit?
This shoe is based on a classic sizing system and testers confirm that it fits correctly. So you can choose your usual size.
Is this trail model suitable for heavy athletes (85 kg or more)?
Yes, this model should be suitable for all weights thanks to its relatively generous thickness sole, comfortable for the vast majority of athletes.
Can you run an ultra-trail with these shoes?
This Nike trail shoe is very suitable for different types of training and distances. However, testers lament a lack of protection and grip, which limits the shoe to easy terrain. Ultra-trail routes can be technical so we do not recommend this shoe.
Comparisons – Nike Wildhorse 7 vs:
Nike Air Zoom Terra Kiger 7
With its more advanced cushioning than before, the Terra Kiger 7 is getting closer and closer to the Wildhorse on paper. However, it is more stable with better grip, while being more protective. We therefore strongly advise you to choose it over the Wildhorse.
Nike Pegasus Trail 3
See the side-by-side comparison with our reviews.
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